by A powerful round of thunderstorms is expected to sweep across large portions of the central and eastern United States through the weekend, as a heat dome remains anchored over the West. AccuWeather meteorologists warn that communities from the High Plains to the Great Lakes and the Appalachians could face everything from torrential downpours and hail to flash flooding and tornadoes.
Thursday Highlights:
- Thunderstorms expected from eastern Dakotas to Texas and Oklahoma panhandles.
- Severe storms could bring large hail and isolated tornadoes.
- Affected areas include eastern South Dakota, western Iowa, northwestern Missouri, and Omaha, Nebraska.
Friday Forecast:
- Severe weather continues in the High Plains—including parts of Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico, and the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles.
- A concentrated zone of severe thunderstorms will span from southwestern Wisconsin and northwestern Illinois to northeastern Kansas and southeastern Nebraska.
- Southeastern Iowa and northern Missouri are at high risk for tornadoes, hail, flash flooding, and damaging winds.
- Major metro areas at risk: Omaha, Kansas City, Des Moines, and Davenport.
Saturday Outlook:
- Severe storms will push east and south into more of the Central U.S.
- Threat zone stretches from eastern Wisconsin and Michigan to Oklahoma and northern Texas.
- Flight delays possible in cities such as Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, and Dallas.
Sunday Developments:
- Severe weather shifts to the eastern Great Lakes, Appalachians, and Tennessee Valley.
- Risk of flooding downpours, strong winds, and hail remains in northern Texas, eastern Oklahoma, and parts of New Mexico.
- Cities likely to be affected include Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Nashville, and Little Rock.
Travelers and residents in the forecast path should stay alert for changing weather conditions and heed any warnings issued by local authorities.
